Device Association Via Video Handshake

ABSTRACT

A method of pairing a first device with a second device is disclosed. Accordingly, an image that includes encoded data is generated. The encoded data includes a unique identifier for identifying the first device and an arbitrary security code. The first device displays the image on a display. The second device captures the image using an image sensing device. The encoded data is decoded to generate a decoded data. The second device sends the decoded data to a server that is communicatively connected to the first device and the second device. Upon receiving the decoded data and using the unique identifier, the server communicates with the first device to verify the arbitrary security code.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/293,242, filed on Nov. 10, 2011 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 or 365 to UK Patent Application No. 1119407.3 entitled “Establishing a Communication Event,” filed concurrently on the same day, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Traditionally, electronic devices are paired using Bluetooth™ technology. The term “pairing” means that two devices exchange some data to agree to work together to provide a predefined function. For example, a Bluetooth™ enabled mobile phone may be paired with a Bluetooth™ headset and upon a successful pairing, the headset provides speakers and microphone to the mobile phone.

BACKGROUND

There are many issues with the above stated method of pairing devices. First, a special hardware is needed at both ends to effectuate such pairing. Second, such pairing can only be used for predetermined specific functions. Also, the Bluetooth™ signals have wider range, hence, without a proper security, unintended pairing may occur. Still further, the paired devices must stay within a particular range after the pairing.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method of pairing a first device with a second device is disclosed. An image that includes a unique identifier for identifying a first device and a security code is generated and displayed on the first device. A second device captures the image using an image sensing device. The unique identifier and the security code is then sent to a server that is communicatively connected to the first device and the second device. The server communicates with the first device, using the unique identifier, to verify the security code.

In another embodiment, a method of pairing a first device with a second device is disclosed. Accordingly, an image that include encoded data is generated by the first device. The encoded data includes a unique identifier for identifying the first device and an arbitrary security code. The first device displays the image on a display. The second device captures the image using an image sensing device. The encoded data is decoded to generate a decoded data. The second device sends the decoded data to a server that is communicatively connected to the first device and the second device. Upon receiving the decoded data and using the unique identifier, the server communicates with the first device to verify the arbitrary security code.

In yet another embodiment, a system for pairing a first device with a second device is disclosed. The system includes a first device connected to a network. The first device is configured to generate an image that include encoded data. The encoded data includes a unique identifier for identifying the first device and an arbitrary security code, and to display the image on a display of the first device. The system also includes a second device connected to the network. The second device is configured to capture the image and to decode the encoded data to generate a decoded data, and to send the decoded data to a server that is communicatively connected to the first device and the second device. The server is connected to the first device and the second device through the network and the server is configured to communicate, using the unique identifier, with the first device to verify the arbitrary security code.

In yet another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium containing a program which, when executed, performs an operation of pairing a first device with a second device, is disclosed. The operation comprises capturing an image using an image sensor. The image includes a unique identifier of another device and a security code. The operation further includes sending the unique identifier and the security code to a server via a network and instructing the server to communicate with the another device using the unique identifier to verify the security code with the another device.

Other embodiments include, without limitation, a computer-readable storage medium that includes instructions that enable a processing unit to implement one or more aspects of the disclosed methods as well as a system configured to implement one or more aspects of the disclosed methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the claimed subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic depiction of a communication system based on the Internet, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a logical diagram of an end user terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary use case scenario of call management, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of pairing two devices, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example activity diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the description.

Reference throughout this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Some communication systems allow the user of a device, such as a personal computer, to communicate across a packet-based computer network such as the Internet. Such communication systems include voice over internet protocol (“VoIP”) communication systems. These systems are beneficial to the user as they are often of significantly lower cost than conventional fixed line or mobile networks. This may particularly be the case for long-distance communication. To use a Vo1P system, the user installs and executes client software on her/his device. The client software provides the Vo1P connections as well as other functions such as registration and authentication. In addition to voice communication, the client may also provide further features such as video calling, instant messaging (“IM”), SMS messaging, file transfer and voicemail.

One type of communication system for packet-based communication uses a peer-to-peer (“P2P”) topology. In one embodiment, to enable access to a peer-to-peer system, a user executes client software provided by a communication system software provider (or a third party vendor) on their computer (which includes any supported computing device, including smart phones), and register with the P2P system. When the user registers with the P2P system, the client software is provided with a digital certificate from a server. Once the client software has been provided with the certificate, then calls or other communications can subsequently be set up and routed between users of the P2P system without the further use of a server in the set-up. Instead, the client looks up the required IP addresses from information distributed amongst the client software on other end users' computers within the P2P system. Once the IP address of a callee's terminal has thus been determined, the caller's client software then exchanges certificates with the callee's client software. The exchange of the digital certificates (or user identity certificates, “UIC”) between users provides proof of the users' identities and that they are suitably authorized and authenticated in the P2P system. Therefore, the presentation of digital certificates provides trust in the identity of the users. It is therefore a characteristic of peer-to-peer communication that, once registered, the users can set up their own communication routes through the P2P system in a decentralized manner based on distributed address look-up and the exchange of one or more digital certificates, without using a server for those purposes. Further details on such a P2P system are disclosed in WO 2005/008524 and WO 2005/009019. Vo1P or other packet-based communications can also be implemented using non-P2P systems that do use centralized call set-up.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a communication system 100 comprising a packet-based network 101 such as the Internet, a mobile cellular network 103, and a circuit switched network 112 such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The mobile cellular network 103 comprises a plurality of base stations 104 (sometimes referred to as node Bs in 3GPP terminology). Each base station 104 is arranged to serve a corresponding cell of the cellular network 103. Each base station 104 is connected to the circuit switched network 112 via a gateway 114. Further, the packet-switched network 101 comprises a plurality of wireless access points 106 such as Wi-Fi access points for accessing the Internet. These may be the access points of one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs). In one embodiment, the gateway 114 is also coupled to the Internet 101 to enable the routing of a call between the PSTN 112 and the Internet 101.

A plurality of user terminals 102 are arranged to communicate over one or more of the networks 101,103,112. For merely illustration purposes only, FIG. 1 shows user terminal 102 a as an Internet-enabled mobile device, user terminal 102 b as a desktop or laptop PC, user terminal 102 c as a cellular mobile phone 102 c, and user terminal 102 d as a landline telephone connected to the circuit switched network 112.

An example mobile device 102 a is shown schematically in FIG. 2. The mobile device 102 a comprises a processing apparatus in the form of one or more processor units (CPUs) or processor 211 coupled to a memory 213 storing a communication client application. The processor 211 is also coupled to: a microphone 202, a speaker 203, camera 205, a one or more RF transceivers 207, a keypad 209, and a display 212.

The one or more transceivers 207 enable the mobile device 102 a to access the one or more networks 101,103,112. For example, mobile device 102 a may comprise a cellular wireless transceiver for accessing the mobile cellular network 103 via the base stations 104, and/or a wired or wireless modem for accessing the Internet 101. In the case of a wireless modem, this typically comprises a short-range wireless transceiver (e.g. Wi-Fi) for accessing the Internet 101 via the wireless access points 106.

Access to the Internet 101 may also be achieved by other means such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or HSPA (High Speed Packet Access). At a higher level of the cellular hierarchy, the cellular network 103 comprises a plurality of cellular controller stations 105 each coupled to a plurality of the base stations 104. The controller stations 105 are coupled to a traditional circuit-switched portion of the mobile cellular network 103 but also to the Internet 101. The controller stations 105 are thus arranged to allow access to packet-based communications via the base stations 104, including access to the Internet 101. The controller stations 105 may be referred to for example as Base Station Controllers (BSCs) in GSM/EDGE terminology or Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) in USTM or HSPA terminology.

The memory 213 may comprise a non-volatile memory such as an electronic erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM, or “flash” memory) coupled to the processor 211. The memory stores communications code arranged to be executed on the processor, and configured so as when executed to engage in communications over one or more networks 101,103,112. The communications code preferably comprises a communication client application 110 a provided by a software provider associated with the communication system. The communication client application 110 a may be executed for performing communications such as voice or video calls with other user terminals 102 over the Internet 101, via a short-range wireless transceiver 207 and wireless access points 106, and/or via a cellular wireless transceiver 207, base stations 104 and controller stations 105 of the cellular network 103 as discussed above. However, one or more of the user terminals 102 involved could alternatively communicate via a wired modem, e.g. in the case of a call between a mobile terminal and a desktop PC.

As shown in FIG. 1 both user terminals 102 a and 102 d execute communication client software 110 in order for the user terminals 102 a and 102 d to transmit and receive data over the Internet 101.

The communication system 100 also includes a server 120. In one embodiment, the server 120 is a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication server. Further, in one embodiment, the server 120 provides one or more of the following functions: call setup, call management, routing calls among the user terminals connected to the Internet 101 and routing calls among the user terminals connected to the Internet 101 and telephones connected to the PSTN network 112, etc. In one embodiment, the server 120 works cooperatively with the user stations with the help of a client software that runs on the user stations and/or the gateway 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a user terminal 102 a. The user terminal includes operating system (“OS”) 214 executed on the CPU 202. Running on top of the OS 214 is a software stack 216 for the client 108. The software stack shows a client protocol layer 218, a client engine layer 220 and a client user interface layer (“UI”) 222. Each layer is responsible for specific functions. Because each layer usually communicates with two other layers, they are regarded as being arranged in a stack as shown in FIG. 2. The operating system 214 manages the hardware resources of the computer and handles data being transmitted to and from the link 106 via the network interface 110. The client protocol layer 218 of the client software communicates with the operating system 214 and manages the connections over the communication system. Processes requiring higher level processing are passed to the client engine layer 220. The client engine 220 also communicates with the client user interface layer 222. The client engine 220 may be arranged to control the client user interface layer 222 to present information to the user 102 via the user interface of the client and to receive information from the user 102 via the user interface.

Image recognition software 204 may be stored in memory 213 or in a separate memory not shown in FIG. 2. Therefore when the camera 205 captures image data, the CPU 211 may execute the image recognition software 204 to decode any information encoded or obfuscated in the image data. In embodiments described more fully below, the image recognition software 204 supplies decoded information from a barcode or other suitably-configured image to the client engine 220. In one embodiment, the image recognition software 204 may be a part of the software stack 216. In other embodiments, the image recognition software 204 may be implemented in hardware. The image recognition software 204 may also be embedded in a driver for the camera 205.

Images and shapes may encapsulate data that can be encoded by a reader in conjunction with selected configurations. For example, a triangle shape may be configured to convey a particular meaning between two entities. Other types of shapes may be used for conveying different types of information. Further, barcodes are commonly known in the art to comprise encoded data such that they may be optically read, and the encoded information decoded in order to read information about an item that the barcode is attached to.

There are two types of barcodes, linear barcodes and two dimensional (2D) barcodes, sometimes referred to as ‘matrix’ barcodes. One type of 2D barcode is the Quick Response (QR) barcode.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example scenario of pairing two user terminals using a video handshake. In this example, a user terminal 102 a is in a call session with a user terminal 102 b-1. The call may be voice call, chat or audio/video call. One of the user terminals 102 a and 102 b-1 may be connected to the PSTN network 112 and the call between the user terminal 102 a and the user terminal 102 b-1 may be established through the gateway 114. In another embodiment, both user terminals may be connected to the Internet 101 and are also in a cooperative communication with the server 120 via client software. Imagine now that the user of the user terminal 102 a (which could be a handheld device) walks into a conference room, which includes a LCD TV (or any other type of display) 122 and a camera 107. The LCD TV 122 is coupled to a user terminal 102 b-2 connected to the Internet 101. In one embodiment, the LCD TV 122 may include client software in its own memory. If so, then the LCD TV 122, standalone, would function as a user terminal without a need for any external hardware, such as a computer.

Suppose the user of the user terminal 102 a wants to pair the LCD TV 122 with the user terminal 102 a in order to use the LCD TV 122 for Audio/Video. Alternatively, the user may want to transfer the communication session between the user terminal 102 a and the user terminal 102 b-1 from the user terminal 102 a to the LCD TV 122 without interrupting the ongoing call session and transparently to the user of the user terminal 102 b-1.

In one embodiment, the user of the user terminal 102 a would invoke a user interface (e.g., the UI 222 in FIG. 2) in the user terminal 102 a. The user interface would have various configurable options. For example, the user interface may have one or more of the following options: transfer session, transfer audio, transfer video, transfer chat, and various combinations thereof.

It should be noted that the examples in this disclosure are provided merely to impart a better understanding of the described embodiments. A person skilled in the art would realize that the systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to pairing of devices. Once paired, the devices may participate in many other activities, such as data transfer, one device controlling the other, etc. Unlike traditional pairing of devices using other technologies, such as Bluetooth™, the two devices, once paired, communicate via a server. Therefore, there is no location restriction on the paired devices. However, in another embodiment, the pairing include both server supported pairing, as described herein, and a device-to-device pairing, so that devices may exchange information directly as well as via the server. Among other, one advantage of the pairing methods described herein is that no special “pairing specific” hardware is required to effectuate the pairing of the two devices. Therefore, existing devices without any pairing specific hardware (e.g., Bluetooth™ hardware) may be configured to be paired using the methods described herein.

The LCD TV 122 is connected to the Internet 122 and can be located by the server 120 using a distinct identification. In one example, suppose the user selects (via the user interface) to transfer the video stream of the communication session from the user terminal 102 a to the LCD TV 122. Upon the selection of an option, the user interface activates the camera 107 and the image recognition software 204 of the user terminal 102 a. A second user interface is invoked on the LCD TV 122 either via the client software in the LCD TV 122 (or in the user terminal 102 b-2) or via a separate software, hardware, or combination thereof. The user interface on the LCD TV 122 displays a coded pattern 124. In another embodiment, a number is displayed on the LCD TV 122 instead of a graphical pattern. The coded pattern may be a QR code or a barcode. The coded pattern, in one example, includes the IP address of the LCD TV 122 (or the user terminal 102 b-2). Additionally, the coded pattern may also include another number or code. Alternatively, the coded pattern may include just one number. In another example, the LCD TV 122 may simply display one or more words.

If the coded pattern is configured to include the IP address and a security code, the camera 107 of the user terminal 102 a, when brought close to the displayed coded pattern, deciphers the coded pattern and extracts the IP address and the security code. In an alternative embodiment, the user terminal 102 a send the encoded pattern to either the server 120 or another external device that is connected to the Internet 101 for deciphering the encoded pattern. The client software of the user terminal 102 a sends the IP address and the security code to the server 120 with the instructions that the video portion of the ongoing communication session be transferred to the LCD TV 122. Upon receiving said instructions, the server asks the LCD TV for the security code. In one embodiment, other data related to the devices and/or the user may also be sent to the server 120. However, in yet another embodiment, only the IP address and the security code are sent to the server 120. The handshake is complete when the security code provided to the server 120 by the user terminal 102 a matches with the security code received directly from the LCD TV 122. In one embodiment, the security code included in the coded pattern may be transient and may be valid only for a selected period of time. In another embodiment, the security check may be optional and the coded pattern may include only the IP address.

In another embodiment, any other identification of the LCD TV 122 may be included instead of the IP address so long as the server 120 can locate the LCD TV 122 on the Internet 101 by that identification.

In another example, instead of a coded pattern, the LCD TV 122 may simply display the IP address and/or any other type of temporary or permanent identification code (such as the MAC number, machine network name, etc.) in plain text and the image recognition software 204 may be configured to recognize plain text characters.

In one example, the server 120 is configured to maintain separate data streams for audio, video and chat. Hence, if the user terminal 102 a requests the server 120 to transfer the video to the LCD TV 122, the server 120 redirects the video stream to the LCD TV 122. In a partial transfer of the communication session, the part that is transferred to LCD TV 122 runs concurrently and synchronously with the remaining part of the communication session on the user terminal 102 a. Similarly, if the complete session transfer was desired, the server 120 redirects all data streams to the IP address of the LCD TV 122.

In one embodiment, if the P2P communication system requires P2P users to log in using unique user identifications, the server 120 is configured to automatically send a login certificate (corresponding to the user of the user terminal 102 a) to the LCD TV 122 (or the user terminal 102 b-2) so that the user of the user terminal 102 a is automatically logged into the LCD TV 122 (or the user terminal 102 b-2).

It should be noted that the code pattern itself may also include the operation to be performed by the other user terminal after a successful pairing, thus diminishing a need for displaying multiple options on the user interface of the user terminal 102 a. Instead, the user interface on the LCD TV 122 may generated different codes for different operations. Further, it should also be noted that in the above example, a session may be transferred from the LCD TV 122 to the user terminal 102 a using the same method as described above. Similarly, a particular user station may be paired with a plurality of other user stations or devices, each performing either a distinct or duplicate function of a selected session, as for example, two devices may be setup to display the video part of the communication session. However, as stated above, the above examples are being provided for the easy understanding of the invention. The above embodiments may also be used for performing other operations that require a pairing of two or more devices.

The method of establishing a communication relationship between mobile device 102 a and user device 102 b will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 4. When the user 108 a of the mobile device 102 a decides to establish a communication relationship between the mobile device 102 a and the user device 102 b, a coded pattern is displayed on the display of the user device 102 b. As described above, in one embodiment, the coded pattern may contain the IP address or any other unique identification of the user device 102 b. Optionally, the coded pattern may also include a security code.

When the communication client 110 a is executed on user device 102 a the client 110 a presents an option to the user 108 a to enter a pattern recognition mode. At step 302, the user 108 a may enter this recognition mode by making an appropriate input selection for example pressing a button on mobile device 102 a, touching the appropriate section of display 212 or making a voice command or the like.

At step 304, the user 108 a points the camera 205 of the mobile device 102 a at the coded pattern. The user 108 a then makes an appropriate selection on mobile device 102 a to capture image data of the coded pattern at step 306. It will be appreciated that the captured image data comprises encoded information including IP address of the user terminal 102 (or any other identification to enable the server 120 to locate the user terminal 102 b in the Internet 101) and also optionally a security code and/or encoded data defining a communication event related to the entity that generated the coded pattern.

As a result of the communication client 110 a being in the pattern recognition mode, at step 308 the CPU 211 executes the image recognition software 204 to decode the image data and supplies decoded information to the communication client application 110 a, the decoded information including decoded contact information and decoded data defining a communication event related to the entity that generated the barcode.

It will be appreciated that when the client 110 a is not in the barcode recognition mode, and the user 108 a uses camera 205 to capture image data the captured image data is stored in memory (whether internal or external) and no further action is taken.

At step 310, in response to receiving the decoded contact information, the communication client 110 a establishes a communication relationship using the decoded information. That is the communication client establishes a communication relationship, for example transferring an ongoing communication session or a part thereof, from the mobile device 102 a to the user device 102 b. As described above, the server 120 takes part in the process of establishing the communication relationship between the mobile device 102 a and the user device 102 b.

Using Image Identifiers from Remote Sources

In the discussion that follows, it is to be appreciated and understood that any of the techniques described above can be utilized in connection with the approaches described below.

In one or more embodiments, security codes in the form of image information that is utilized to establish device pairing can be obtained from one or more remote sources, such as a server or backend server. Any suitable type of image information can be utilized. For example, a device can obtain, from the remote source, image information in the form of a raw image and use that as a security code as described below. Alternately or additionally, the device can obtain, from the remote source, image information in the form of a string of bits, and modulate the string of bits into an image identifier which can be used to establish the device pairing.

In the illustrated and described approach, the remote source or backend server generates image information that can be used as a security code to authenticate that the user of a particular device is physically located in the same place as another of the devices to which pairing is desired.

As an example consider FIG. 5, which illustrates an activity diagram that describes device pairing using image identifiers in accordance with one or more embodiments. This example illustrates a first and second device. The first and second devices can be any suitable types of devices. For example, the first device can comprise a handheld device such as a phone. The second device can comprise a device such as a television. Initially, the user logs in to the first device and selects a pairing mode at 500. This can be done in any suitable way such as, for example, through a suitably configured user interface. Responsive to selecting the pairing mode, the first device can generate a pre-recorded signature tone that the second device recognizes. The second device recognizes this pre-recorded signature tone as a pairing initiation. Alternately, any suitable technique can be utilized to initiate the pairing mode, as described above.

Next, and responsive to recognizing the pairing initiation, the second device requests image information, at 502, from the remote source which, in this case, is a server. The image information can comprise any suitable type of image information. For example, in at least some embodiments, the image information can be a string of bits which is returned to the second device and subsequently encoded into an image identifier. Alternately or additionally, the image information can comprise a visual image identifier that is returned to the second device. Any suitable type of image identifier can be utilized. In at least some embodiments, the image identifier comprises a coded pattern such as a QR code. Other decoded patterns can be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Responsive to receiving the request for the image information, the server returns the image information to the second device at 504. The second device now uses the image information to display, at 506, an image identifier for the first device. This can be done in any suitable way. For example, in the event the image information returned to the second device from the server is in the form of a string of bits, the second device can encode the string of bits into an image identifier and display the image identifier for the first device. Alternately or additionally, in the event that the image information returned to the second device from the server is in the form of a visual image identifier, the second device can display the visual image identifier for the first device.

The first device can now process the image identifier by capturing an image of the image identifier and sending data associated with the image identifier, at 508, back to the server. In the event that the image identifier is the visual image identifier received from the server, the first device can simply send data back to the server in the form of the visual image identifier. Alternately or additionally, in the event that the image identifier is associated with an encoded identifier, such as an encoded string of bits, the first device can decode the image identifier to arrive at, e.g., the string of bits, and send that data back to the server.

When the server receives the data, it can confirm that the data matches and that the device pairing is authentic. Accordingly, the server can make note of the device pairing and return an authentication, at 510, to the second device.

Once the device pairing has been completed, the server can optionally store details of this device pairing so that in the future if other device is reset, for example in a meeting room, the pairing could be automatically completed upon the first stage of initiation from either end.

In the above example, the first device, e.g., the handheld device or phone, initiated the device pairing with the television. It is to be appreciated and understood, however, that device pairing can be initiated by the television or, in the above example, the second device.

In one or more other embodiments, devices can reside in a not paired/available state and advertise themselves to the backend server. For example, multiple devices such as televisions and other electronic devices can advertise themselves as available. Then, different devices, such as a handheld device, can query the backend servers for a list of devices with which it can connect based on network proximity identification. Once the user selects a particular available device from the list, the process can continue as described above. In these embodiments, the devices for pairing may reside on the same network.

While the forgoing is directed to specific embodiments, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, aspects of the described embodiments may be implemented in hardware or software or in a combination of hardware and software. At least some embodiments may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. Such computer-readable storage media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions described above constitute embodiments of the present invention. 

We claim:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: responsive to recognizing a pairing initiation by a first device, requesting (502) image information from a remote source; receiving the image information from the remote source and using (506) the image information to display an image identifier to the first device effective to enable the first device to capture an image of the image identifier and return to the remote source to enable the remote source to authenticate a pairing between the first and second devices.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein using the image information comprises encoding the image information into the image identifier.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein using the image information comprises encoding the image information into an image identifier comprising a QR code.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the image information comprises the image identifier.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a handheld device.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the second device comprises a television.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first and second device are connected to a communication network.
 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one of the first or second devices is in a communication session with a third device.
 9. A computer-implemented method comprising: generating, by a first device, a signature tone to enable a second device to recognize a pairing initiation between the first and second device; receiving, from the second device, an image identifier associated with the pairing initiation; and processing the image identifier and sending data associated with the image identifier to a server effective to enable the server to return a pairing authentication to the second device.
 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the image identifier comprises an encoded image and said processing comprises decoding the encoded image.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the image identifier comprises a QR code and said processing comprises decoding the QR code.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the first device comprises a handheld device.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the second device comprises a television.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the first and second devices are connected to a communication network.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein one of the first or second devices is in a communication session with a third device.
 16. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions for associating a handheld device and a television device, the program instructions comprising: program instructions for requesting image information from a remote source responsive to recognizing a pairing initiation by the handheld device; program instructions for receiving the image information from the remote source and using the image information to display an image identifier to the handheld device effective to enable the handheld device to capture an image of the image identifier and return to the remote source to enable the remote source to authenticate a pairing between the handheld device and the television device.
 17. The computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein using the image information comprises encoding the image information into the image identifier.
 18. The computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the image information comprises the image identifier.
 19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein using the image information comprises encoding the image information into a QR code.
 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the first and second device are connected to a communication network. 